ECONOMIC SURVEY 2025–26: Sports Infrastructure in J&K: A district-wise explainer

Srinagar, Feb 5: The Economic Survey 2025–26 reveals wide variations in sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir’s 20 districts, with urban centres dominating advanced facilities.

Srinagar

Srinagar leads J&K with 76 sports facilities, including 21 synthetic turfs and one water sports centre, the highest concentration in J&K. The district also has four stadiums and three indoor complexes. This underlines district’s role as the primary sports hub in the Valley.

Jammu

Jammu ranks second with 57 facilities and emerges as the top district in stadiums (9) and indoor complexes (5). With 12 synthetic turfs, Jammu remains the main centre for organised competitive sports in the region.

Kathua

Kathua stands out with 52 facilities, including 24 playing fields, the highest in the J&K. It is one of only two districts with a water sports centre. This reflects relatively diversified sports infrastructure.

Anantnag

Anantnag has 39 facilities, supported by four synthetic turfs and two stadiums, placing it among the better-equipped districts in south Kashmir.

Pulwama

Pulwama follows closely with 37 facilities, including seven synthetic turfs and seven stadiums, making it a significant emerging sports district.

Poonch

Poonch has 32 facilities, with five stadiums and three synthetic turfs, reflecting moderate infrastructure development despite its border location.

Baramulla

Baramulla records 31 facilities, including three stadiums, but has only three synthetic turfs, indicating limited access to modern playing surfaces.

Ganderbal

Ganderbal has 28 facilities, largely consisting of playing fields, two stadiums, with four synthetic turfs.

Kulgam and Rajouri

Kulgam and Rajouri have 27 and 26 facilities respectively, each with limited indoor and turf infrastructure, highlighting scope for expansion.

Shopian

Shopian has 26 facilities, but only one indoor complex and four synthetic turfs, reflecting modest infrastructure depth.

Udhampur

Udhampur records 23 facilities, including two stadiums and two indoor complexes, but has only two synthetic turfs.

Samba

Samba has 22 facilities, primarily playing fields, with four synthetic turfs and limited indoor infrastructure.

Bandipora and Reasi

Bandipora and Reasi have 11 facilities each, among the lowest in J&K. Neither district has a synthetic turf.

Doda and Kishtwar

Doda has 12 facilities, while Kishtwar has 13.

Ramban

Ramban has 10 facilities, with only one synthetic turf, placing it among the least-equipped districts.

Kupwara

Kupwara records the lowest sports infrastructure availability with just nine facilities, including no stadium and only one indoor complex.

Overall Picture

Across J&K, the Survey records 559 sports facilities, including 235 playing fields, 57 stadiums, 30 indoor complexes and 84 synthetic turfs. The data also shows that no public swimming pool exists in any district, and water sports infrastructure remains limited to Srinagar and Kathua.